Abstract
Objectives : To establish a well organized and systematic oriental medicine classification of headache, the western and oriental medicine diagnosis and treatment systems of headache were reviewed. Methods : The history and development process of western medicine classification of headache were studied. A literature review of oriental medicine classification of headache was done. The characters of each classification systems were assessed. Results : In western medicine, many international societies concerning headache have been established. Through these societies, a classification of headache which can be used by both researchers and practitioners has been suggested. And the suggested classification system is highly recommended to be used in studies in order to increase utilization. As data is accumulated, new versions of the classification system were updated. But in the case of oriental medicine, various classification systems of headache are presented in numerous literatures. But the effort to unify and systemize the oriental medicine headache classification has been in lack. Conclusions : Establishment and utilization of a standardized oriental medicine headache classification system, based on various classifications and detailed descriptions is needed.
